Crested Butte Outdoor Activities

Crested Butte isn’t just world renowned for skiing and snowboarding.  This awesome mountain town transforms from a top-notch ski area in winter to a summer paradise, especially if you love outdoor adventure.  Read on for our favorite things to do in Crested Butte in summer!

World Class Mountain Biking

Have you ever had wildflowers smack you in the legs as you ride?  Crested Butte mountain biking is some of the best in the country.

Spend your first day riding through lush green meadows ringed with snowy peaks on the famous 401 and 403 mountain bike trails.  Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado, and the multicolored blossoms are on full display in late June and throughout July.  On your second day, shred the downhill trails at the lift-accessed Evolution Bike Park on Mt. Crested Butte.  Compare the best bike rentals for pickup downtown Crested Butte or right on the mountain.

For the hardcore cyclist, mountain bike over Pearl Pass or Star Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen.  This ride is not for the faint of heart, and snowpack remains on high stretches of the road well into July.  Plan your trip in late summer or fall, and beware of afternoon thunderstorms – there is not much shelter above the tree line.

The awe-inspiring scenery in Crested Butte is unbeatable, so make sure you take breaks to take it all in.

Click Here for a Crested Butte trail map.

Added bonus!  Camp for free in the National Forest off of Washington Gulch Road, and ride right onto the trails from your site.

Paddle Mountain Lakes

Watch moose peruse the shore of serene Lake Irwin from your kayak or paddle board.  The water is calm enough to practice your favorite yoga moves while floating along, admiring the peaks reflecting in the lake.  Other scenic alpine lakes near Crested Butte that are perfect for paddling include Emerald Lake and Lost Lake.

Want even more adventure?  Paddle down the lower section of the Slate River, a world-class river experience, during the early summer months when spring runoff is highest.

Live Music on Crested Butte Mountain

Relax after your Crested Butte mountain adventure and enjoy the free outdoor concerts on Monday and Wednesday nights in the summer.   Mondays feature the Alpenglow series downtown, and Wednesday’s highlight is the Mt. Crested Butte concert series on the mountain.  Join the locals by bringing chairs, a blanket and a picnic!

Enjoy a Night Out on the Historic Town

Explore the historic restaurants and shops along Elk Avenue in the quaint town of Crested Butte.  Our personal favorites are the eclectic pizzeria Secret Stash, and local watering hole The Last Steep (amazing buffalo cauliflower wings!)

No matter where you recreate outdoors, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles, and recreate responsibly outdoors to ensure our wilderness areas stay pristine for generations to come.